Instagrams of the Week: Wild about the Galápagos

The Galápagos. are a volcanic archipelago of islands which lie 965km (600 mi) west of Ecuador.

They are famed for their unique collection of creatures, all of which arrived in one of three ways: flying, floating or swimming. Since large predators could not survive this journey, animals in the Galápagos are remarkably tame. Many are also endemic to the region and not found anywhere else on Earth.

This fact inspired a young Charles Darwin to develop his Theory of Evolution when he visited this laboratory of nature in 1835.

It’s a good thing this sea lion isn’t as obsessed with his work as Darwin was. He sure has a case of the Mondays! Great pic from traveller @nikki_nooch

@marinpackerphotography snapped a colourful marine iguana on her travels there. These lizards are unique to the Galápagos Islands, with males altering their colour depending on the season. It seems Darwin just wasn’t a fan, describing them as “disgusting clumsy Lizards”.

Our own Wanderer-in-Residence Gary Arndt of @everythingeverywhere caught these flamingos having a stand-up fight on Isabela Island.

Galápagos giant tortoises, on the other hand, take life at a slower pace and nap for up to 16 hours a day. Mind you, they live to be over 150 years old! Thanks to @sara_nt9 for this share.

Finally, these Galápagos blue-footed booby birds look like they’re deep in conversation. But what are they saying? Let us know in the comments below! Thanks to our own @stu_aussie for this pic.